Cardiff - Burnley

Cardiff are holding a position for direct promotion, but have four clubs that are breathing on their neck (from those, Forest have a game in hand). They’re in a decent shape, won three of last four games, undefeated in six and have dropped only two points out of the last 15 at home. Whittingham and McNaughton should both return.

Since Eddie Howe took a charge, Burnley have made a decent run of results with three wins, draw and one defeat out of last five. Striker Charlie Austin will have a late fitness test, while midfielder Chris McCann stays sidelined. Burnley have conceded one goal in each of their last five matches and have six consecutive defeats at Cardiff.

At home, Cardiff are usually struggling against bottom sides. They hardly defeated miserable Scunny in previous round and noticed only draws against rest three of bottom four (Preston, Palace and Sheff Utd). Burnley will be confident and not so defensive, approach that absolutely suits to Cardiff. Home win. 2-0 correct score.   

Bet: Cardiff -0.5
Odd: 2.05 Canbet
Stake: 7/10

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Cardiff - Burton

Cardiff started new campaign with a home draw against Sheff.Utd. (1-1). They can be a little bit disappointed as there was a one way traffic when Utd. got a red card. Defence line isn’t still an iron one, but attacking force is great. For tonight’s game Dave Jones can’t rotate players too much from a simply reason, due to recent transfer embargo he doesn’t have enough players for it! Against Blades, only 4 players were substitutes. Cardiff passed the first round in all but one of the last 8 years and have reached the third round in each of the last 3 seasons. Goalie Tom Heaton will replace injured David Marshall, defender Kevin McNaughton is in doubt and new on-loan signing Seyi Olofinjana won’t be involved.

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Burton is an average League Two side, last season they finished 13^th. Interesting fact is they conceded 71 goals in 46 games which is 3^rd highest number in the league (scored the same number though). Weak defence and attacking approach surely isn’t a way how any team should face Cardiff away. Cup history isn’t bright, as well. Just one appearing, last year and disaster at Reading 1-5. Burton also have one game in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy and lost against Chesterfield with the same result. Defender Darren Moore is injured and probably won’t be risked, the same situation is with the right-back Andrew Corbett. Midfielder Jacques Maghoma is away on international duty with DR Congo.

 

I expect a strong eleven from Dave Jones and have an impression players feel a little bit frustrated after missed to score few more times against Blades at Sunday. This is a perfect opponent to heal their complexes. Chopra (I expect him to start) would like to go. Good, this is a great chance for him to show some skills to the visiting scouts. Against Burton’s defence, he should run the riot.

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Bet: Cardiff -1.25

Odd: 1.95 bet365

Stake: 7/10

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Gamble: Chopra to score hat-trick

Odd: 19.00 bet365

Stake: 0.5/10

Charlton Athletic - Cardiff City

After a 2-2 home draw against Blackpool, Charlton theoretically secured relegation. They had a 2-0 lead, but first Campbell scored for 2-1, then Hughes in last minute took care for a draw on Valley. It's very interesting, Addicks play better after they lost any chance to stay in Championship. Five games without a defeat, with great performance against the strongest league teams (0-0 against Preston and Birmingham at home, 2-2 vs Reading and minimal defeat against Wolves on the road). Some youngsters got an opportunity to play and they use it very well. Striker Tresor Kandol and midfielder Darren Ambrose are in doubt, while centre-half Jonathan Fortune (Achilles), midfielder Jose Semedo (ankle) and striker Andy Gray (pelvis) are still on the sidelines.

Blue birds lost any chance for direct promotion, but first objective is to forget nightmare from Deepdale Stadium. They expected a tough game against Preston, but 0-6 is a total catastrophe. All good results in this season are placed in the shadow of one game. Before Preston, Cardiff was in more than decent shape, with three consecutive wins (Derby, C.Palace and Burnley). With three rounds left, they're very close to play-off. It is not secured, but they can play with much less pressure. Today have a chance to finish the job, will be motivated and will go in attack from the first whistle. The only injured player is key right back Kevin McNaughton, but boss Dave Jones is expected to make changes in starting eleven.

Charlton's teenagers got their five minutes on the big scene, will try to surprise again, but it has to be said, quality is only on one side. Welsh lads will do everything to wash the Preston shame. I expect them in 4-3-3 formation. There will be a space for counter-attacks, but I don't think Charlton can score. So, away win instead over. Expekt offers 1.95, Bwin 1.90, I think it worths. Dare to predict, 0-2 correct score. Away win.